Patient Stories
Click the links below to view our patient testimonials.
If you are reading this it is clear that you have reached a time in your life as I did. In September of 2007 I weighed 497 lbs. like others I had tried every type of diet known to man. It wasn’t until about two years ago I began my search for bariatric surgery. After many years of killing myself with being severally obese I finally signed up for a free seminar to learn more about the surgery process and the risk. To tell you the truth I was scared. There are risks for being obese and risks for having the surgery; but after weighing the risks on both sides I decided that if I didn’t have the surgery my risk would only be greater. I was on two high blood pressure tablets a day, used a sleep apnea machine, could not walk ten feet without needing to stop, and every bone in my body ached.
As of November 2008 I have lost 201 lbs. I only need to take a half tablet a day for my blood pressure; I walk 5 miles a day and recently began to jog. I worried every night about going to sleep, afraid that I wouldn’t wake up. Now I look forward to going to bed just to get up and be able to move around at ease. There is no doubt in my mind or my family’s that the surgery has extended my life.
Herb
I have always been a vibrant, outgoing person who loves life. My weight became more and more of a limitation on my activities and social life. Seat belts on planes were too tight and made traveling an embarrassing situation. Sporting events were no longer feasible because I could not fit in the chairs. Concerts were a thing of the past, for the same reason.
I chose the LAP-BAND® surgery two years ago to reach my weight-loss goals because it was more ‘natural’ and would allow me to live a normal life. I have lost 120 pounds over the past 24 months and feel confident I will reach my goal; another 30 pounds! I can’t thank Dr. Wagner and his office manager, Sarah, enough for their encouragement and positive thinking. I’m having a second chance at life, and dating is so much fun! I forgot how much fun it could be.
Two and a half years ago I graduated from college. I was so depressed about how I looked in all of my graduation photos, at 315 pounds, that I threw them all away in disgust. I knew that I didn’t want to go through the rest of my life being ashamed of every picture of myself. I didn’t want to throw away or hide any more pictures from holidays, special occasions, and life achievements.
I tried for a year or so to diet and exercise, and had no success. I could barely climb a flight of stairs without having to rest, my knees constantly ached, my heart rate was astronomical, and I was only 23.
At this point I started looking into surgical weight loss procedures and decided that the Lap-Band procedure was probably my best option. After a few months of researching I went to a seminar with Dr. Wagner through New Start and began my journey. After going through all the necessary pre-op requirements and testing, I had my surgery in November of 2005. I am now down to 160 pounds, and still losing. I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made and would do it again in an instant. Now, I hop out of bed in the morning and look forward to starting my day. I now eat right and drink tons of water; I feel better now than I ever have. The surgery gave me the tool I needed to change my life, my eating, exercise habits, and my overall way of living.
I look back now and realize I was just coasting through life, unhappy and unhealthy. This new life change is constant work and dedication; but now I smile all day long and I get compliments everywhere I go. My performance at work has improved, as well as my relationships. All of these fantastic changes happened after my health improved and my weight was coming off.
Dr. Wagner and Sarah are very pleasant, informed professionals to communicate with, and their enthusiasm, compassion, and knowledge have helped me through this experience every step of the way. I would recommend Dr. Wagner to anyone I know and have done so many times. Lap-Band Surgery I know is not for everyone, but for me it gave me a new life; a happy, healthy, productive life that I never would have known! Losing that extra 150 pounds helped me gain a fresh look at what life is really about.
Nelly
In 1997, I saw my 61-year-old father go through triple bypass heart surgery. My father, uncles, and almost everybody in my family has or have had clogged arteries. I thought to myself, someday it will be my turn. My doctor told me, at 395 pounds, that I wouldn’t have to wait until I was 61. My triple bypass was probably on the horizon. I had four good reasons to take drastic measures.
I have tried all the diets and I was even exercising. I could swim 20 laps, but when I would get out of the pool, I couldn’t find enough food to eat. I gained even more weight.
I went to Dr. Wagner’s office, where he started an extensive patient profile. I also attended his seminar and met with Newstart. Dr. Wagner, my wife, and I decided on the Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass procedure. Upon acceptance from my insurance carrier, Sarah at Dr. Wagner’s office set up my tests and the surgery was scheduled. Three months later I was 100 pounds lighter.
I credit Dr. Wagner, Newstart, and the staff of St. Alexius with the weight I have lost. I knew I had another 100 pounds to lose. It was mine to lose and I did it. Through exercise, new eating habits, and lots of water, I reached my goal of 200 pounds, a 195-pound weight loss, and thirteen months after surgery.
My trust in Dr. Wagner was so high I even sent my wife to him. She lost 140 pounds in her first year after surgery. We are both at our goal weight and looking forward to long and happy lives.
What did we do next? We went to Disney World!!
Phil & Barb
Nikki:
On July 2, 2007, Dr. Wagner and staff worked their magic, performing my laparoscopic Lap-band surgery. This was the first day of my new life. Dr. Wagner visited me in the hospital and told me this very true fact, of beginning a new life and to take advantage of the tools he provided me with.
Each day I wake up, excited to see what life has in store for me. My life has changed so dramatically! In just one short year and a few months, I have lost 105 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to a size 6. I exercise regularly and enjoy it. I now enjoy doing all kinds of physical activity, running, swimming and even team sports such as soccer.
I wish the best of luck to all those seeking his help. This will be one of those days in your life ranked right up there with the day you were married, the birth of your first child and now a new anniversary, where you chose to change your life forever.
Thanks again to the wonder staff and to Dr. Wagner.
Jeremy:
Before the lap band surgery, I always woke up more tired than when I went to bed. My heart was racing any time walked long distances or climbed stairs and I knew that losing weight was no longer an option, but rather a necessity. I was full aware that when you are 5′9″ and weight 295 that life was greatly impacted. I had had high blood pressure for years and my knees were killing me. I needed to do something to resolve these issues. I had engaged in numerous diet and exercise plans throughout my life and had lost weight but was never able to keep it off. I began to surf the web for information on weight loss surgery after my wife had mentioned that she would like to have a procedure. I discovered Dr. Wagner and educated myself by reading thousands of messages on various websites. I chose the lap band because it was the least invasive weight loss surgery and it had the lowest complication rate.
I chose Dr. Wagner for my surgery, foremost for his expertise and his experience with the lap band. I was impressed with the fact that he had done several hundred bands and had a proven track record.
I went through a series of pre-surgery tests and nothing precluded me from having the surgery. I had never had any type of surgery in my life, but was comforted by the staff of Dr. Wagner’s and everyone in the hospital. I stayed in the hospital one night. My recovery was quick and I experienced very minimal discomfort, and no significant pain.
The first two weeks after surgery were amazing. I lost pounds quickly and my knees felt great. The most incredible thing, however, was total absence of hunger. I never in my life experienced this feeling of control. I knew in just a couple of days after surgery I had just the tool I needed in the lapband to control my eating issues and keep me fit for the rest of my life. I have lost 90 pounds in the first year of surgery. The weight came flying off and my health issues resolved themselves. My blood pressure is now normal and my hypoglycemia is completely gone. I no longer have the need to take any type of medication. As each month goes by and the weight comes off, I become more determined than ever to reach my goal weight.
I am very thankful that I found Dr. Wagner and the lap band. The lap band has been the answer for me. The level of care I have received from Dr. Wagner in each office visit has been terrific. I have been able to return to martial arts as I did in my younger years, I coach children’s sports and am able to run and play with my kid’s, which is something that was not possible before the surgery.
My name is Amy and I have had the Lap band surgery. I am also a K-9 Officer and when I was unable to keep up with my partner even a little bit, and, when I realized I weighed 257 pounds. I did something about it. In April of 2007 I had the surgery.
By May I had already lost a clothing size. I had to by a new pair of jeans and a top every month because the weight just falling off me. My Dr. also told me to exercise and it would help with the weight loss. Well I did and the exercise and the lap band have given me wonderful results. I now jog 3-5 miles two or three times a week just because I can now. I now weigh 154 pds I was in a size 24 now I am in a 6-7. My B.M.I. dropped 15 points!!! Would you like to know the best part? I can keep up with my 4 legged partner now.
Another thing is when people that I have not seen in a while do not recognize me. This is the single most important thing I have ever done for myself to guarantee my long HEALTHY future.